FASH or DIY service history?

[QuattroCalum]

Buying cars can be a lottery regarding service history, which would you rather buy, a car with full Audi service history OR a car with some dealer service history then DIY service history from a clearly competent and dedicated previous owner.
I can't help but feel that Audi techs it's all just same **it different day and they're just going through the motions, whereas a competent and dedicated owner would have put all their love and attention into it and dealt with any issues quickly, we all know how OCD we can be.
I'd like to hear your opinions.

 

[Pops848]

I think I'd like when it's serviced by an enthusiast who has obviously spent money and has receipts

What I don't like are the "have a go Joe" types
They think they can service a car but don't know what a sump is, or end up jamming in stripping nuts and bolts etc.

Full dealer or independent garage service history I still like though, but I do think "what oil did they really use?"

 

[QuattroCalum]

Well for all those that have bought cars with full Audi service history did you know these are available and unscrupulous individuals will use them, the premium price proves the point.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-serv...888382?hash=item33c70d95be:g:fmcAAOSw9GhYgMjI

 

[Pops848]

That's scary!!!!

What's next, fake invoices?

 

[norris_309]

It's a tough one, I look at full service history when buying a car (and still view main dealer as great....!! I seriously need snap out of it!!), but I wouldn't dismiss one if it had DIY history with all receipts to back it up & it 'felt' right.

I think for me it depends on the age, stamps in the book for new(ish) cars and as they get older it is fair to see logged diy work with receipts.

My a4 had full service history when I bought it, from Audi +some indi.
Since I've owned it, I've serviced it annually (got it off the longlife.. but kept using the oil) & kept all receipts and kept a log of all work I've done/have had done.

Same with my 2002 golf that I've had for 9 years.. service it myself annually which, surely if keeping receipts proving it's had genuine filter & correct oil is better than the naff variable/longlife intervals with a stamp everyone seems to favour these days.(I know I'm contradicting myself!!).. who know what oil they use, it's just a big drum they use for all cars isn't it??!

I'd sooner take my car to a specialist garage (which I do for cambelts & big jobs) I've also got a mate who is a mechanic and has a unit nearby, so I get him to do bits I can't/don't have tools for/need a ramp etc.. he & a mate of his both have worked at various main dealers over the years & have said before they'd sooner see independent history than main dealer. But I guess independents can be just as bad, just with a lower hourly rate!.

I've recently bought a mini cooper for the mrs.. 1 owner, full mini service history but from a independent car dealer.. nothing but issues!!...
mainly the dealer being a **** mind you. I hate buying cars... pot luck really. most of the minis we saw didn't have any history & loads of owners.

 

[QuattroCalum]

It's a tough one, I look at full service history when buying a car (and still view main dealer as great....!! I seriously need snap out of it!!), but I wouldn't dismiss one if it had DIY history with all receipts to back it up & it 'felt' right.

I think for me it depends on the age, stamps in the book for new(ish) cars and as they get older it is fair to see logged diy work with receipts.

My a4 had full service history when I bought it, from Audi +some indi.
Since I've owned it, I've serviced it annually (got it off the longlife.. but kept using the oil) & kept all receipts and kept a log of all work I've done/have had done.

Same with my 2002 golf that I've had for 9 years.. service it myself annually which, surely if keeping receipts proving it's had genuine filter & correct oil is better than the naff variable/longlife intervals with a stamp everyone seems to favour these days.(I know I'm contradicting myself!!).. who know what oil they use, it's just a big drum they use for all cars isn't it??!

I'd sooner take my car to a specialist garage (which I do for cambelts & big jobs) I've also got a mate who is a mechanic and has a unit nearby, so I get him to do bits I can't/don't have tools for/need a ramp etc.. he & a mate of his both have worked at various main dealers over the years & have said before they'd sooner see independent history than main dealer. But I guess independents can be just as bad, just with a lower hourly rate!.

I've recently bought a mini cooper for the mrs.. 1 owner, full mini service history but from a independent car dealer.. nothing but issues!!...
mainly the dealer being a **** mind you. I hate buying cars... pot luck really. most of the minis we saw didn't have any history & loads of owners.

One thing I don't like is the newer VAG, FSI and TFSI direct injection engines, poor starting, misfires, clogged up swirl flaps and plastic manifolds, it's just a nightmare, there must be a better way than direct injection. See the images on the link below, have you had any experience of this?

http://www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=857922

 

[norris_309]

I've got 2 1.9pd engines, so none of the newer types.

I wouldn't know what car to buy now if I was going newer (which I kind of would like to) I like the 1.9 pd engines.. they've done me well over the years.
Hear so many issues with all of the newer cars.